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Building a Wide Area Network, or WAN, involves using a third-party service provider to provision a link to your location. Different WAN technologies are usable depending on your needs and location. For example, an MPLS network can be used to create a single network from multiple physical locations, similar to a VPN. To build a WAN, you need a contract with a service provider and your own networking equipment, such as routers and switches.

1.

Contact a service provider in your area to see what types of WAN services are offered. Common services are T1 and Frame Relay. Business-class DSL and cable services may also be offered in your area. After a desired service is selected, the service provider installs their equipment at your location and creates a demarcation point.

2.

Acquire a router and connect the WAN link to it. If the service provider installs a router as part of the WAN, you will still most likely need a separate router to provide access and control for the local area network, or LAN. If the service provider does not provide a router, you must use a router capable of connecting to the WAN circuit. For example, if you purchased a T1 connection, your router must include a T1 interface module.

3.

Connect the network switch to your router. A network switch aggregates all of the connections on the LAN and connects them to the router, which forwards the appropriate traffic over the WAN connection. The most common switch to router connection type is with one or more Ethernet cables. Depending on your network configuration, your router may include a built-in switch with enough ports to connect all of the devices on the LAN together. However, it is common to have one or more switches in addition to a router.

Things Needed

Router

Switch (optional)

Ethernet cables

Tip

The demarcation point, or demarc, is the area that determines where the responsibility lies for the networking equipment. For example, if the service provider installs a router with the WAN service, the router is the demarc, and any equipment connected to the router, such as a switch, is your responsibility. If the service provider only provides the circuit, for example with a T1 connection, the demarc is with the physical T1 wiring itself. Utilizing the T1 by connecting it to a T1-capable router is your responsibility in this case.

About the Author

Jedadiah Casey started writing professionally in 2007, with articles published in "The Flagler Times" newspaper. He has more than 20 years of experience with computers and networking. Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in information systems from the University of Central Florida, as well as professional industry certifications.

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Casey, Jedadiah. "How to Build a WAN." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/build-wan-28601.html. Accessed 14 September 2019.

Casey, Jedadiah. (n.d.). How to Build a WAN. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/build-wan-28601.html